Stuff plus a few pics

Hello all, hope everyone has a very safe New Year celebration and that the new year is blessed with many wonderful things.

I want to start with a few pics so those that don't want to read my rant (below), won't have to.

This was free stitch along by Plum Street Samplers. This was offered in nine parts. Am proud to say that I kept up with the parts and finished on time. I made quite a bit of substitutions as I am very committed to working from my stash. =  )

The above is the evil, stupid biscornu that some of you of heard me whine about. Despite it'apparent simplicity, I made many, many, many mistakes requiring just as much time frogging as I did stitching. Some projects are like this for me. I don't have the name of the designer for this one. I stitched it on light green 14 ct aida and substituted all of the colors. The center is a little star fish button from My Favorite Things available at Michaels.

Above is my progress on Sheperd's Bush "Finch Song". This was fated to become a UFO but I buckled down and started stitchng on it again last week. Am glad I did as it is almost finished. There was not sufficient silks to finish, so I substituted with HDF and even some coton floss from WDW. Working with the silk threads in one strand was very difficult. The fine threads frayed and knotted. Someone suggested using Thread Heaven, duh! and I did and that helped remarkeably! 

A few issues with this design was that the chart was done by hand, which made the symbols hard for me to see. Also, the designer leaves blanks in some of design and instructs you to fill them in, but when I am focusing on following a chart, I don't recall those types of things. The design should have been entirely filled in...after all, filling in the blanks would not have added more work for her but have spared all of us the hassle of going back to finish it properly. Another problem was that this came as a kit with none of the threads identified by color or manufactorer nor were they separated into groups. Some kits have similar colors separated into groups or they tell you the number of skeins so you can differentiate them, well, this kit did not. It had 5 different greans that were so similar I couldn't tell them apart. Turns out I used the wrong green on the hill as a result. All of the negatives with this kit will make it hard for me to purchase another. I have bought small kits from Sheperd's Bush such as for key fobs and whatnot but for big kits like this, if they don't separate out the colors and provide enough to finish, it just won't be worth the price or effort.

The top three are from JBW designs. Very simple and cute, almost nostalgic for me. I used threads and beads from my stash. Yay! 

Well, this is it for the stitching up date! Hope everyone has had lot's of time to finish things and make some progress, as I have! Happy New Year All!!

Now for the non-stitching stuff ----I hope 2014 is better all around, but especially that those in authority start respecting those of us that put them there. I hope for many wonderful blessings for everyone. Here in the US, we could use a few blessings as a nation, and a people and also individually. My most earnest prayer is for Congress and the President of the US and his adminstration. Both appear to have lost sight of their purpose and what they symbolize. I pray for the Supreme Court, that they not disregard the principles and laws in the constitution in the name of political expediency. (Remember Animal Farm? I always thought it was about communism, but now I understand, it's about any government that forgets the people, including democratic republics.)  I pray for my neighbors and co-workers that face the unknown on a daily basis. I pray for hope for the young men of Dade County here in South Florida. Despite all the benefits and privileges available to them, purchased by others' unceasing work and sacrifice, they continue to kill and murder each other and many innocents, for nothing more than a few dollars. I pray for the policemen here as well, who have forgotten their purpose, too...that is, to serve and protect. Instead, they have no discipline and no accountability. Many have died at their hands that shouldn't have. I could go on and on, but won't, as it seems rather overwhelming. The thing that helps me is focusing on raising godly children and staying the course and not losing faith. I have come to the realization however, that I must leave this town.

Anyway, whatever you are facing, my prayer for you is that you overcome it, stay kind and decent, don't give in to despair and be a light onto the world. And if you can't be a light right now, that you  find someone to light you up, like a bonfire! God bless!

Christina

Give-away at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe

Hi there folks, nope, I haven't forgotten about my little blog. Life just seems to get in the way. Also, without a proper camera, its rather hard to get nice pics to share. Anyway, Nancy is having daily contests for her lovely charts and flosses to celebrate Christmas and give thanks to her many customers. You can check it out HERE  and join in the fun!

Hope everyone is enjoying their Holiday season.

Hugs,
Christina

Fab Give-away from Victorian Motto Shop!

Hello friends, just a quick note to let you know that Nancy is having another lovely give-away. Even if you don't win, you should consider buying her chenille. I have and enjoy working with it. I will next try out her ric rac. Anyway, hop on over and good luck!

Here's the link:  Victorian Motto Shoppe

Remembering America's Colonial Fathers and Mothers

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence ?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. 

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. 

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.Remember: freedom is never free! 

I received the above, sans pic, via email. Here is a great web sited to learn more about early America - EARLY AMERICA

I hope to never forget the sacrifices made by others for my freedom. I pray for those people the world over, that are at this very time and moment, fighting for freedom from tyranny. The war is never truly won.

Christina  

Chris's Lovely Giveaway

Chris has a lovely blog where she showcases her many works in various needle techniques. She is giving away a lovely stitching tools to celebrate her 200th follower.Click here for her giveaway!

Finally!!!

Hello folks, its been a long time since my last post. Finally was able to take a few pics of several items. Take a browse and leave comments, just love them!

These are pics of the needle book I made from the pattern in the May/June issue of Just Cross Stitch. I changed the back, which was supposed to be the same as the front...but what would have been the fun in making them both the same. The strawberry came out all wrong, but I am not going to make another. Will finish it when I find the right color felt for the leaves. I really like how this turned out!

 I won a giveaway that Nancy hosted on her blog, Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. I have purchased her hand dyed chenille and I love it for finishing ornaments. These skeins are more like hanks..very generous! Thank you Nancy!

These are from the I-Love-Cross-Stitch Yahoo Group Birthday Floss Club. These will help me complete my DMC collection and I got a few specialty ones too!

These are from Rumple Beary Rumor.  Love the variations and I can't wait to stitch these up and see how the variation works out.

This is a handle made from exotic wood. A friend, Ted, makes these. He makes pens and other little things too. Check his creations out on his Facebook page Teds Turnings

I am getting back to Finch Song, by Shepherd's Bush. I am not enjoying stitching on this very much. The silks are too flimsy and there are too many spaces to count, which means more mistakes and frogging (or not frogging and figuring out how to work around it!)

Well, that's it folks! Sorry for the lack of activity, and I hope to not let this happen again. Am also planning for another giveaway for the autumn so stay tuned!

Happy stitching to all!
Hugs,
Christina

Another Give Away at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe

Hi there folks, I know, I haven't been posting much...been busy stitching and enjoying life!

Today, I want to give you a link to a great giveaway. Nancy dyes her own floss and her colors are so rich! I recently purchased some cotton chenille from her and they too were wonderful....way easier to use chenille to finish an ornament than using cording. Her customer service is right on target.She answered all of my questions and shipping was timely and reasonable. I recommend her shoppe, very much so.

Here is the link to her current giveaway that closes on June 14. Good luck and let her know I sent you! ChrisG, that is!

Happy stitching to all!

New Giveaway at Carolyn's blog "Taking one Stitch at a Time"

Hi folks, have been visiting different blogs and ran into this little giveaway. Here is the link: Taking One Stitch at a Time.  Carolyn has a lovely blog and makes some very nice things. Check it out!

Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe Giveaway

Hello friends, this shop is having another giveaway of the new spring colors of floss and perhaps some trim. Here is the link: Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. Check it out and good luck!

You know you're eating bad food when....

Well friends, I have no pics this time, just a bit of....complaining. I've come home from a two week business trip to Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Now, before I start complaining, let me begin by  saying that I love getting away. Air travel still thrills me and the airport security screening seems to move faster every time I go.  I also enjoy driving around and then going to my hotel room and worrying about nothing other than what to have for dinner.

Part of the appeal of traveling for me is being able to go to local restaurants and tasting local favorites. In South Carolina I can count on having chicken and dumplings. In Pennsylvania, a glass of Birch Beer with my weinerschnitzel is vonderful gut! Unfortunately, this time around, I didn't have the time to search out these local restaurants and wound up at a few spots that were recommended by hotel front desk keepers - what is the official term for these folks??

Suffice it to say that the food I had this time around was terrible. In Lewisburg, I had dinner at a favorite Italian eatery that was so terrible, I wondered how the proprietor/owner wasn't embarrassed. The restaurant hadn't been decorated since the late 80's or early ninety's. You know the look - all gray and mauve with chrome finishes. Plastic flowers decorated the windows. The food was bad. I had the seafood linguini and couldn't tell the shrimp from the scallops...scary!! And the sauce hadn't been finished properly...too bitter and also lacking in flavor. Locals swore it was THE place to eat. I did eat at a Thai place that was wonderful! Siam Restaurant serves food that is authentic, flavorful and fresh. The food is spicy - even their "mild" is too hot so make sure you tell them to skip the "spice".

Here is a pic of Siam. It is a tiny little place so be sure to get in early. During the winter it's not so packed but in the Spring its hard to get a seat. There are another three tables on the other side. They are moving in March to a bigger area. Here is their Facebook link: Siam Thai Restaurant


In South Carolina I wound up The Clock - maybe the one near Florence. There are several apparently, but I don't recall the city I was in. I don't think it matters as they probably all serve the same type of food. I looked at the menu (dirty and greasy) and decided on a burger...how could one ruin a burger right??? I did get a burger looking thing, but it certainly did not taste like a burger. It was salty and had the texture of meat but I have no idea what it was. I did have them put mushrooms, swiss cheese and bacon on it, and lettuce and tomatoes and that should have helped, yes?? NOT. The vegies and cheese tasted the SAME. Close your eyes and put a piece of paper in your mouth, THAT's what this burger tasted like. I gagged and couldn't finish it. Now, most of you don't know me, but I am one of those folks that will and can eat ANYTHING. For some reason, I just couldn't stomach this "burger". It was so fake.

I also ate at a Chinese Buffet that was horrible, but really, I can't complain cause its, like...its a Chinese Buffet for god's sake. So that experience I will not complain about.

So after three bad meals and countless trips to the water closet, I decided to eat in the last two nights and picked up frozen entrees at the Walmart and ate in my room.

America, you know you're eating bad food when:

• you can't tell what's in the food (no particular flavors stand out)
• you can't distinguish the lettuce from the tomato by taste or texture (yikes!!)
• the cheese sticks to the roof of your mouth and you need a shovel to get it down
• frozen entrees taste and smell better than the slop you are getting at the restaurant.  
• your stomach keeps trying to return the food to your plate and
• you spend more time than usual in the bathroom after you've eaten it.

Happy New Year!

Hello my stitchy friends. Hoping you are having a lovely Christmas Season and wishing that 2013 is an especially wonderful year for you and yours.

I've been thinking of my stitching successes for 2012 and feel I have had a very good year. Managed to finish a few UFOs and finished several WIPs that had been languishing for a long time.  I've started a stash diet, too, which so far has been very good for me. I've decided that I want to work on the many projects I have on hand. I have already kitted up the Nora Corbett's sunflower fairy from the CS&N magazine (issue ?).

Below is my most recent finish of a DMC freebie..this was a challenging stitch for me because it had more colors than I like to work with. I just loved the way it turned out although I do think some shadow along the base of the pots would have given it a bit more dimension...I wasn't going to add anything once I finished it though.

This next one is the one I am currently working on. I ran out of a color so had to put this down for a few days but I am back now and hope to finish this one in another week or so. The pattern did not have any outlining so I added back stitching to sleigh, Santa and some of the presents and I think that it really makes it pop.

Below is a pic of the lovely ornament that Angela made for me for this year's Christmas ornament exchange for one of my Yahoo groups. I love it and am going to make others in colors.

This next one is MILL HILL Bead Kit "Paisley Pumpkins". This was a real pill to do...too fiddley. But its done and framed!

And lastly, here is my Rabbit in a Berry Patch framed by moi. I just think this is such a different kind of design. Simple and elegant. Definitely one of my faves.

Well, that's it for now! Thank you for visiting and please leave a comment!!

Hugs, Christina